Malacca (Melaka)

One of the oldest cities in Malaysia. It is famous for its rich history and multi-cultural community. Don't forget to try some of the unique food such as Chicken Rice Ball, Satay Celup and other Peranakan delicacies.

Interesting places to visit:

A' Farmosa Fort, St. Paul Hill, Jonker's Walk, Portuguese Settlement Village, Muzium Budaya, Poh San Teng temple

Estimated population: 733,000

Geographical coordinates: 2° 11' 49 N, 102° 14' 53 E

Culture and Historical

Penang (or Pulau Pinang)

Located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it is a paradise for culture and food lovers. Be sure to try the famous Asam Laksa, Chinese Dim Sum, and other Chinese food.

Interesting places to visit:

George Town, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Bridge, Snake Temple, War Museum, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Hill

Estimated population: 1,503,000

Geographical coordinates: 5° 25' N, 100° 19' E

Putrajaya

Located south of Kuala Lumpur, this newly developed city is the home to most of Malaysia's government offices.

Interesting places to visit:

Perdana Putra, Putra Bridge, Putra Mosque, Seri Wawasan Bridge

Estimated population: 50,000

Geographical coordinates: 2°55' N, 101°40' E

Urban Life

In Malaysia, there are a lot of places a tourist can go. Whether you enjoy the night life of big cities, the beautiful underwater world of the islands, or the lush tropical rainforests, Malaysia has it all. In this article, allow me to give you a preview of the 9 places you must visit in Malaysia.

Urban Life

Kuala Lumpur

The capital and largest city of Malaysia. It is located in the heart of Selangor state, in Peninsular Malaysia.

Some interesting places to visit:

Petronas Twin Towers (Suria KLCC), KL Tower, Petaling Street (Chinatown), National Museum, Central Market

Estimated population: 1,887,674

Geographical coordinates: 3° 7' N, 101° 42' E

Mapusa Market

A famous market and fondly known as ‘Mapusa Friday Market’ as it is taken place every Friday. This is fully crowded and lively being loaded with wide variety shopping, as every inch of place is booked by sellers given a very little space for buyers to move since regular stalls are booked with temporary mats and boards.

You’ll find all kind of requirements from lottery stalls to barbers shops, fruits stalls to vegetable stalls, there is fish street as well as dry fish stalls with all kinds of fish.

You’ll find all types of fruits and as well as vegetables, attractively displayed some of them being Moira Bananas, Mangoes, Chikkus, Watermelons, pumpkins, cabbage well depending on seasons. There is also a spice street and bakery section.

Different types of handicrafts made of coir, clothes stalls, glass bangles, sausages, channa baskets, meat market are added features of the Mapusa Market. Every place you’ll find bars and restaurants or tea stalls serving refreshments.

Churches, Chapels, Temples a varied legacy

Perhaps nowhere are the diverse influences of Goa more dramatic than in the places of worship.

It is not uncommon to come across a temple in the Maratha style, with a distinctively Christian Plan and an Islamic dome! Such contradictions sum up the story of Goa, of the conquistadors and settlers who came and made it their home. They brought with them their languages, their customs, their architectural idioms, and smoothly integrated with the existing traditions.

The Churches of Old Goa, built in the 16th & 17th centuries, are basically in the baroque Renaissance style with some Gothic touches. But the insides are all derived from European as well as Indian elements. The SeCathedral, largest church in Asia is a grand example of the form.

The 80–metre long aisle is a truly imposing sight, with ornamental embellishments culminating in a magnificent gilf altar.

Old Goa – 10 km east of Panaji, is the prime tourist attraction of the State. It was built by Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur.

Basilica of Bom Jesus, - dedicated to infant Jesus, is the most famous churches in Goa. The mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier kept in a rich casket are enshrined here.

Se Cathedral – is the most imposing church in Goa – its vaulted interior overwhelms the visitors by its sheer grandeur.

The Churches of St. Francis of Assissi has its interior illustrated with exquisite paintings.

Saint Cajetan Church was built in the style of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Church of our Lady of Rosary – is one of the earliest built churches in Goa.

There are more temples in Goa than churches, important among these are Manguesh temple at Mangueshi, Mahalsa Temple at Mardol, Shanta Durga Temple at Kavlem.

There are not too many mosques in Goa – the most important is the Jama Masjid at Sanguem. Another notable mosque in Goa is the Safa Masjid at Ponda.

Agonda Beach

Agonda beach is a long and lonely, fringed with palms and casuarinas and dominated by a large hill to the south. If a person is looking for some quiet moments, Goa Agonda beach is the place to be.

This beach is special because you will find absolutely no tourists, no souvenir stalls no restaurants, nothing just the trees, the beach and the beautiful ocean and you.

It also makes for a great trip from Colva and Cavelossim. For real adventure, hire a tent and camp for the night, listening to the crashing of the sea waves.

Goa Agonda beach can be reached by driving about twenty minutes north from Palolem or by the road from Assolna and Cabo De Rama. The motorbike is the best way to get to the place.

The Agonda beach in Goa however is not too safe for weak swimmers as it has a strong undertow. For accommodation there are a few places to stay. However there are some good restaurants found around the place that serve some of the best seafood in the village.